Stanley named one of the ugliest towns in Britain, but residents disagree
- Stanley has been identified as one of the ugliest towns in Britain according to a recent report that assessed various visual and environmental factors.
- Residents claim the community is friendly and have noted the transformation of the high street, which is now populated mainly by charity shops and a few remaining local businesses.
- There is a general consensus among locals that the town requires significant regeneration efforts to restore its once vibrant high street and improve its overall appearance.
The former mining town of Stanley, located in County Durham, has recently been ranked as one of the ugliest towns in Britain according to a new report. This evaluation encompassed approximately 1,250 locations across the country, assessing various factors such as shop fronts, historical architecture, litter management, views, and availability of greenery. Residents of Stanley have expressed disagreement with this classification, remarking on the friendliness of the community despite the town’s visual challenges. In recent years, the outskirts of Stanley have seen investment from well-known retailers like Starbucks, McDonald's, and Aldi, which has improved some areas. However, the core of the town, particularly Stanley's Front Street, remains in significant disrepair with many boarded-up shop fronts and deteriorating roads. Local business owners and residents have noted the decline of the high street, indicating a loss of major retailers and an increasing number of charity shops, nail salons, and barbers. Residents have shared their concerns about the current state of the town. Esther, a visitor from Whickham, acknowledged the decline of the high street over the years and lamented the closure of numerous shops. Similarly, long-term resident Carol Henderson reminisced about the bustling high street that once welcomed various retail options. She mentioned the closure of prominent names in retail, leading to the current situation where only one clothing store remains operational, focusing solely on women's fashion. Despite the low rankings, the sense of community in Stanley persists. Some locals believe that a regeneration effort is necessary to breathe new life into the town, as many businesses struggle with reduced foot traffic since shoppers often opt to travel to nearby Newcastle instead. Diane, another resident, reflected on the past glory of their weekly market and the faded Christmas spirit in the absence of festive lights, emphasizing the need for better maintenance and revitalization of the town center.